Backflow Prevention Assembly & Certification
Backflow: any unwanted flow of used or non-potable water or substance from any domestic, industrial or institutional piping system into the pure, potable water distribution system.
Why Do We Care About Backflows?
Backflow prevention assemblies prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the water distribution system.
There are various examples of how contaminated water could flow from the main into your home or business. You may have even experienced a time where your city put out a “boil order” (boil water before use from taps) when they know of a situation where the water main has been contaminated.
A common example of backflow failures in the home would be from your lawn sprinklers. Without a correctly working backflow prevention assembly on your home, if the water pressure in the water main decreases, fertilizer and pesticides could be drawn back into the water main via your sprinkler line. Thus, causing polluted water to end up in your plumbing. Ingesting this water could make people in your household very ill.
This is why the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires all lawn irrigation systems to have an approved backflow prevention assembly that is required to be tested annually to ensure proper function.
Masters plumbers are approved by the DNR and are ASSE certified to test your backflow prevention assembly.
Give us a call at 417-840-3456 to get scheduled for your annual backflow prevention device testing.
Backflow Certification Courses
Jerry Kendall, Master Plumber and Owner of Masters Plumbing, teaches the Backflow Prevention Certification and Backflow Prevention Re-Certification courses at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) in Springfield, MO.
These courses and exams comply with MO, AR OSHA/USEPA and ASSE requirements for Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers. Topics include cross-connection, backflow accidents and preventers, contamination, thermal expansion, and pollution and fire protection systems.
You must have at least five (5) years of experience in a plumbing, pipefitting or related industry field to take the Backflow Prevention Certification course.
Visit OTC’s Center for Workforce Development website for more information and to register for classes.
